They clasped hands, David laughing outright in the ecstasy of relief
at finding this whilom friend.
"Keep shady, you," said Braddock, finding no pleasure in the boy's
change of manner. "Those pinchers came over on the train with us. And
say, we might just as well settle what's to be done about you. I've
thought it over seriously. I'm taking a risk in havin' you around,
understand that. But if you want a job with the show, I'll give you
one. Tell you what I'll do: I'll give you two and a half a week and
your board. That's good pay for a beginner. You to do clown work and--
"
"But I can't be a clown--" began David.
"Well, what do you want?" roared Braddock, apparently aghast. "Do you
expect to ride around in carriages and live on goose liver? Say, where
do you think you are? In society? Well, you can get that out of your
head, lemme tell you that, you--"
"'Ere, 'ere, Brad," put in Joey sharply, noting the look in the boy's
pale face. "Don't talk like that. 'E's not used to that sort o' gaff.
Let me talk it over with 'im."
"Well, the offer don't stand long. He either takes it or he don't.
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